The timber harvest season is fast approaching. Lumber companies prefer to cut timber in the winter when the weather’s cooler and the forest pests, such as ticks, chiggers and snakes, are not so prevalent. It’s been my personal observation that forestry workers also like to take advantage of their time in the woods to do a little on-the-job hunting or at least during their lunch break since game, such as deer and turkey, can be flushed out of their hiding places by heavy equipment and chainsaws. Of course this minor fringe benefit of working in the forestry industry is only legal during hunting season and with the permission of the landowner.

The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) is reporting a new concern for forestry landowners. There have been reports that someone has contacted elderly and widowed landowners in Fluvanna and Goochland counties and attempted to buy the timber off their land. This unscrupulous person says he is calling under the recommendation of the forestry department or otherwise invoking the VDOF. Although he does not specifically state that he works for VDOF his sales pitch is misleading. If you should hear from this “forester” you are asked to contact your local sheriff department immediately.

Landowners need to know that the VDOF does not buy timber. There are numerous companies in our state that purchase timber from private landowners. As a matter of fact forestry is one of the largest industries in Virginia with an estimated $30.5 billion annual contribution to the economy and the creation of 248,000 jobs. Private landowners collect $345 million per year in timber sales. There are numerous lumber companies in Virginia that cut and sell timber for a profit, but they are not employees of the commonwealth of Virginia nor do they have any business association with VDOF. If you are considering selling the timber on your land, here are a few guidelines.

• Be sure you have a correct survey of your property and clear markings of the boundaries to avoid infringing on neighbors and ensure you harvest all the timber you wish to harvest.

• Be aware of logging rules in your area. If there are any designated skidder trails, haul roads or logging decks already in place try to make use of them.

• Use Best Management Practices for watershed protection.

• Make an agreement with your logging contractor concerning their responsibility to repair collateral damage that may occur during the logging process such as downed fences, compromised stream beds or road damage.

There is a law in Virginia known as the Silvicultural Water Quality Law that requires streams and rivers be protected from any negative effects of the timber harvest, such as sediment and runoff. The law carries a penalty of up to $5,000 per day for violations. VDOF is the agency responsible for enforcing this law. Hiring a professional forester is the best way to ensure minimal damage and maximum profit from your forest land.

The VDOF is also available to assistance in planning your timber harvest. The phone number for the regional office in Charlottesville is (434) 977-5193. They can put you in touch with the appropriate field personnel for your area.